Code of Ethics

As a Mount Vernon Police Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to
safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against
oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the
constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does
not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger,
scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others.
Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying
the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or
that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is
necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations,
animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with
relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without
fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never
accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to
be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of
corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with
all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will
take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and
competence.

I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to
my chosen profession . . . law enforcement.